Every NFL team's most likely 2020 breakout player

With less than a month remaining before the 2020 NFL campaign kicks off, theScore's Mike Alessandrini and Caio Miari examine each team's most likely breakout candidate.

Arizona Cardinals - Kyler Murray

Murray might be the NFL's biggest breakout candidate entering his sophomore campaign. The last two league MVPs were also sophomores, and while Murray may not have Patrick Mahomes' arm or Lamar Jackson's explosiveness, the former Sooner is in an offensive scheme that's tailored to his strengths. The arrival of All-Pro receiver DeAndre Hopkins may also further elevate Murray's production.

Atlanta Falcons - Hayden Hurst

Hurst hasn't met the expectations of a former first-round pick, but being traded away from the Ravens' tight end-loaded roster could really help his career. He's now set to replace Austin Hooper - who received at least 80 targets in each of the last two seasons with Atlanta - in one of the NFL's most productive passing offenses.

Baltimore Ravens - Orlando Brown Jr.

Although Brown made his first career Pro Bowl last year, the offensive tackle could soon begin earning All-Pro berths. The 2018 third-round pick has improved in both run blocking and pass protection over his first two NFL campaigns, helping to protect the reigning MVP and open lanes for the league's most productive running game.

Buffalo Bills - Ed Oliver

Oliver is capable of converting his exciting rookie flashes into season-long success. The Bills' offseason upgrades on the edges - including Mario Addison and A.J. Epenesa, among others - should create easy individual matchups on the inside, allowing Oliver further opportunity to step up in his sophomore campaign.

Carolina Panthers - Brian Burns

Burns' rookie campaign gave the Panthers one of their few reasons defensively to celebrate last year. The 2019 first-round edge rusher racked up 7.5 sacks and a team-high 16 quarterback hits after playing just 43% of Carolina's defensive snaps. Burns' production is set to skyrocket as a full-time starter on a star-deprived Panthers defense.

Chicago Bears - David Montgomery

Montgomery struggled in his first NFL season, though running behind the Bears' offensive line didn't make things any better. He still flashed potential, finishing sixth in broken tackles among running backs. While the former third-rounder should naturally develop during his second pro campaign, it's also hard to imagine Chicago's blockers - and head coach Matt Nagy - struggling as much as they did last year.

Cincinnati Bengals - Jonah Williams

The Bengals will only go as far as Joe Burrow can take them, so Williams figures to play a vital role. Successfully protecting his quarterback's blind side is nothing new for the former Alabama star. Unfortunately, a torn labrum ended his first campaign before it had a chance to begin. Williams gives a Cincinnati team that's been perpetually plagued by poor offensive line play a blocker with advanced technical skills and natural agility. We think Burrow is in good hands.

Cleveland Browns - Baker Mayfield

We still believe in Mayfield. He regressed as a sophomore, throwing 22 touchdowns, 21 interceptions, and completing just 59.4% of his passes. However, Browns fans can turn to the second half of the 2019 campaign for hope in a turnaround. The flashy quarterback displayed more of his natural accuracy and aggression, totaling 18 touchdowns against nine picks while completing 61% of his throws over his last nine contests. Mayfield should get back on track with new head coach Kevin Stefanski and Odell Beckham Jr. by his side.

Dallas Cowboys - Chidobe Awuzie

Filling Byron Jones' shoes as Dallas' No. 1 cornerback is a tall task, but Awuzie may be up for it. The former second-round pick defended 14 passes in 2019 and showed well in coverage despite being targeted 90 times. With Jones in Miami, Awuzie has an opportunity to thrive in Mike Nolan's scheme and display his versatility behind a strong front seven.

Denver Broncos - Drew Lock

There are multiple reasons to believe that Lock will have a breakout campaign in 2020. There's been a recent trend of quarterbacks breaking out in their second NFL season, and Lock won four of his first five career starts, which included two game-winning drives and one fourth-quarter comeback. Additionally, the Broncos upgraded Lock's supporting cast this offseason, adding immediate contributors to all three levels of the offense in wide receiver Jerry Jeudy, running back Melvin Gordon, and offensive lineman Graham Glasgow.

Detroit Lions - T.J. Hockenson

Hockenson failed to make an impact in Detroit's offense as a rookie. The former eighth overall pick stormed out of the gates with 131 yards and a touchdown in his NFL debut but surpassed 50 yards just once more. Tight ends generally struggle early in their career, so Hockenson should be fine - he's too talented not to be. A healthy Matthew Stafford wouldn't hurt his chances at rebounding.

Green Bay Packers - Allen Lazard

Lazard should emerge as Aaron Rodgers' No. 2 target behind Davante Adams and see plenty of targets in Matt LaFleur's offense. The 2018 undrafted free agent amassed 477 yards and three scores in his final 11 contests last year, hauling in 69% of his targets. Lazard uses his size and awareness to separate from defensive backs - Rodgers posted his highest passer rating (117.9) and adjusted yards per attempt (10.39) among any of his receivers when targeting Lazard.

Houston Texans - Charles Omenihu

D.J. Reader's departure in March left a gaping hole along Houston's defensive line next to J.J. Watt. It also gave Omenihu a chance at carving out a role over uninspiring options like Angelo Blackson and rookie Ross Blacklock. The former Texas standout offers good size, length, and natural run defense skills, but he also notched three sacks and two forced fumbles last season despite limited playing time. We can't think of a better spot for Omenihu to improve his game than next to Watt.

Indianapolis Colts - Parris Campbell

Campbell played in more than 45% of Indy's offensive snaps just three times last year due to injury. However, the 2019 second-rounder received 18 total targets in those contests. With the former Ohio State standout now set to start in the slot from Day 1 and the Colts in need of pass-catchers to step up for Philip Rivers, Campbell can make the biggest leap on a roster filled with potential breakout talent.

Jacksonville Jaguars - Josh Allen

Allen became the first Jaguar to ever make the Pro Bowl as a rookie after racking up 44 tackles, 10.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles in 2019. The 23-year-old edge rusher is now set to play an even bigger role in Jacksonville after a couple of veterans departures; his impressive rookie production might just be the beginning for him.

Kansas City Chiefs - Mecole Hardman

It didn't take Hardman long to prove how impactful he can be on the football field. Six of the wideout's seven touchdowns last season were of 30-plus yards, including a 104-yard kickoff return. The speedster averaged 20.7 yards per catch on 26 receptions while making the Pro Bowl and second-team All-Pro as a return specialist. Hardman can hit a home run every time he touches the ball, and another year of experience should significantly increase his workload.

Las Vegas Raiders - Josh Jacobs

Jacobs took the league by storm in his freshman campaign, producing 1,150 yards on 4.8 yards per carry and seven touchdowns. But the sophomore still has enormous room for improvement. Jacobs could become one of the NFL's elite runners behind a solid offensive line and an ascending unit.

Los Angeles Chargers - Justin Jackson

There weren't many legitimate breakout candidates on a Chargers roster primarily composed of veterans and young stars. But with Melvin Gordon now in Denver, Jackson could see an increased role moving forward. Austin Ekeler still projects to be the primary beneficiary of Gordon's absense, but his teammate consistently performed well when called upon. Jackson averaged 6.9 yards per carry a year ago, though he played in just seven games due to injuries. If healthy, we could see Jackson lead L.A.'s backfield in carries.

Los Angeles Rams - Taylor Rapp

Despite a crowded running back group and an intriguing tight end situation starring Tyler Higbee, Rapp is the name to watch here. He ranked third on the team with 100 tackles as a rookie before seeing the two players ahead of him, including fellow safety Eric Weddle, leave this offseason. Los Angeles has to rely on what it currently has due to its tight salary cap situation, and the more the Rams need their youngsters to step up, the more chances Rapp has to prove he's a star in the making.

Miami Dolphins - Matt Breida

Breida will face competition for touches in Miami - as he did with the 49ers - but he should have little trouble unseating Jordan Howard on the depth chart. The speedy back is the superior pass-catcher and makes significantly more big plays - only Rashaad Penny recorded a higher percentage of his output on runs of 15 yards or more last season. Breida will cash in on the opportunities that are bound to present themselves in the Dolphins' backfield.

Minnesota Vikings - Mike Hughes

The Vikings' cornerback room has always been solid under head coach Mike Zimmer, but it suffered a step back in 2019 and is now up for grabs after three starters departed this past spring. Hughes will start as a result, though he's still unproven as a No. 1 corner. After setting career highs with nine pass breakups and 45 tackles last season, this might be the year he'll prove Minnesota right for using a first-round pick on him in 2018.

New England Patriots - Chase Winovich

Winovich played in just 29% of the Patriots' defensive snaps as a rookie in 2019 and still amassed 5.5 sacks. The defensive end also recorded a sack or quarterback hit on a team-high 7.6% of his pass-rush opportunities. New England lost several key contributors this offseason, meaning Winovich is set to take on an increased workload and make a giant leap in 2020.

New Orleans Saints - Marcus Davenport

Davenport's expected breakout last season could be on its way in 2020. The 2018 first-rounder possesses an intriguing blend of size, length, and explosion, but his 10.5 sacks through 26 games are nothing to write home about. However, Davenport's produced consistent pressure numbers. He ranked 16th among all edge rushers with 51 total pressures before a foot injury ended his campaign in early December. Playing alongside Cameron Jordan and an improved Saints defense will give Davenport plenty of opportunities to succeed.

New York Giants - Darius Slayton

Slayton surprised last year by leading the Giants in receiving yards (740), yards per catch (15.4), and touchdowns (8). Granted, fellow teammates Golden Tate and Sterling Shepard missed time with injuries, but the former fifth-rounder proved he's arguably New York's most explosive wideout. The Daniel Jones-led offense should continue to explore his big-play potential this season.

New York Jets - Sam Darnold

The Jets had another losing season in 2019, but they were 7-6 when Darnold started. New York hasn't done a great job putting together the quarterback's supporting cast, though he now has his best-ever offensive group after the arrivals of wide receivers Breshad Perriman and Denzel Mims, and offensive linemen Mekhi Becton, among others. Darnold's number's improved last year, and with the newcomers aboard, the signal-caller might finally break out.

Philadelphia Eagles - Andre Dillard

The Eagles need their new starting left tackle to take a significant leap after his rookie struggles. Luckily, Dillard has done everything in his power to do so. His teammates lauded his work ethic and said he added muscle during the offseason - strength was his biggest weakness coming out of Washington State. Combine that with his smooth athleticism, quick feet, and natural skills in pass protection, and Doug Pederson and Co. have every right to be confident in Dillard.

Pittsburgh Steelers - Diontae Johnson

Expect Johnson to be a prime beneficiary of a reloaded Steelers offense. The former third-rounder led all rookies in receptions and missed tackles forced despite Pittsburgh's inconsistencies at quarterback last year. He also ranked sixth in yards and fourth in yards after the catch. Johnson is primed to build off a successful 2019 with his advanced route-running skills and soft hands, and he could even emerge as Ben Roethlisberger's top target (sorry, JuJu).

San Francisco 49ers - Solomon Thomas

There's a spot open for Thomas on the 49ers' defensive line after DeForest Buckner's departure. However, Thomas still needs to prove himself after losing playing time last season and having his fifth-year option declined. If San Francisco's defensive front continues its high level of play from 2019, the former third overall pick could surpass his middling six-sack career production.

Seattle Seahawks - DK Metcalf

Metcalf may be an obvious selection, but we expect a monster slate from this athletic freak. After a bit of a slow start to his career, the Seahawks receiver displayed a combination of speed and strength in 2019 that few opposing cornerbacks can even think of matching. Metcalf amassed 717 yards and four touchdowns in his final 10 games, which included a dominant 160-yard performance against the Eagles in the playoffs. With a full season under his belt and Russell Wilson throwing passes his way, Metcalf should be a fairly safe bet for the Pro Bowl.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Devin White

White didn't quite meet expectations as a rookie after Tampa Bay nabbed him fifth overall. The LSU product wasn't as effective in coverage as he was in college, and he missed nearly a tackle per game in run defense. However, he was a force as a blitzer and possesses the speed needed to make plays all over the field. Linebacker is a tough position to grasp for any first-year player, so White should bounce back in 2020. Playing in front of a stout defensive line and next to Lavonte David will certainly help his cause.

Tennessee Titans - Jeffery Simmons

Now 18 months removed from an ACL injury that delayed the start of his debut campaign, Simmons is ready to explode. The towering defender's unique combination of length, athleticism, and strength made him a rare prospect that would have been locked into the top 10 if not for his pre-draft injury. Simmons thrived in run defense from the moment he stepped on the field - no rookie accounted for a greater percentage of his team tackles for loss and only eight interior rushers did overall. If his pass-rush skills develop in Year 2, look out.

Washington Football Team - Logan Thomas

Thomas could end up leading all Washington tight ends in snaps and receptions this season. Standing 6-foot-6 and dripping with athletic upside, the former quarterback is still fairly new to the position. However, head coach Ron Rivera appears ready to entrust him with a significant role. Thomas possesses raw traits, has had limited opportunities to date, and he only has to beat out Jeremy Sprinkle and Richard Rodgers, making him a true 2020 sleeper.